2 Corinthians - Jars of Clay v. 2
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This document provides an overview and summary of the key themes in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. It discusses how some church leaders in Corinth questioned Paul's authority and message. Paul responds by focusing on his weaknesses and how God's power is made perfect in weakness. He outlines his ministry model of planning, personal example-setting, using his trade to facilitate ministry, and ministering to both Jews and Gentiles. The document also addresses Paul's teachings on ministry funding and the Jerusalem collection.
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2 Corinthians - Jars of Clay v. 2
- 1. The Gospels Acts of the Apostles Paul’s Letters Other Letters Revelation A New Testament (NT) Journey Lesson 9: II Corinthians – Jars of Clay
- 2. Romans – Life Transformation Journey 1 Corinthians - Heaven’s Gold 2 Corinthians – Jars of Clay Galatians – No longer I Ephesians - Pushing Limits Philippians - The Mind of Christ Colossians – Complete Maturity in Christ 1 Thessalonians – Cascading Hope 2 Thessalonians – Confident Hope 1 Timothy - Fighting Fit 2 Timothy – Fearless Faithfulness Titus – Double Grip Philemon – The Avatar
- 3. EVENT TIMELINE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
- 4. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
- 5. Introduction Maligning the Messenger Moving Message ◦ Depths ◦ Heights ◦ Transformation Ministry Model ◦ Planning ◦ Personal Example ◦ Profession ◦ Sphere of Influence Money Matters ◦ Ministry Support ◦ Fund Raising ◦ The Jerusalem Collection - Giving Discussion
- 6. Probably the last (of four) letters to the Corinthian church Paul wrote. 1 Corinthians appears to be the second. Previous letter was very severe and had severe retaliation. He humbly responds sharing deepest struggles. History (Church fathers particularly Clement of Rome) records that the church repents and lives like a model church for 50 years following which they fall into the same heretical traps they are being warned about. [1][2][3]
- 7. A few self seeking self acclaimed leaders in the Corinthians questioned Paul’s apostleship, his integrity, his personality, his profession, his message: Not an apostle – ch 11:5 Lording it over – ch 1:24 Lacked integrity (as he promised to come but did not) – ch 1:15 Unimpressive and his speech contemptible - 10:10 Low level trade Acts 8:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Veiled gospel - ch 4:3
- 8. 2 cor 10 12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding 17 But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.
- 9. Paul focusses more on his weaknesses saying “when I am weak then I am strong” Depths Persecution for Christ Physical weakness, affliction Heights Visions in heaven Vision on Damascus road Transformation One degree of glory to another Treasure in jars of clay
- 10. 2 Cor 11:23 Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.
- 11. 2 Cor 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to [b]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”.”
- 12. 2 Cor 12:1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago— whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows— such a man was caught up to the third heaven.
- 13. • Moses put a veil so that his fading glory will not be seen • Paul does not require a veil as we are increasingly reflecting Christ’s glory And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18
- 14. 2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed….; 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.
- 15. Planning ◦ Plan, God directs ◦ Prioritize - Primary goal ministry – via work, via support Personal Example ◦ Personal life – Spread the aroma ◦ Partnerships – Do not be unequally yoked Profession ◦ Use trade only to facilitate by money and contacts ◦ Laboured night and day on trade and ministry Sphere of influence ◦ Jews and Gentiles
- 16. Paul planned his work and worked his plan. God re- routed him where necessary 2 Cor 2:12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.-
- 17. His priority was preaching – the tent making was when required to avoid depending on those he served to finance his ministry. 3and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. 4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18
- 18. ;: 2 Cor 2:15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
- 19. Paul was very particular about his ministry partners (He even rejected John Mark at a point 39). Even his work partners were believers (Aquila and Priscilla). He even avoided spouse, in order to focus on God’s calling 2 Cor 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God;
- 20. Inspite of repurcussions, and danger from death from Jews, Paul continues to minister to both Jews and Gentiles alike. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Cor 9:22
- 21. ◦ Ministry Support ◦ Fund Raising ◦ The Jerusalem Collection - Giving
- 22. Paul’s fund raising was for causes other than his personal ministry (in this case the Jerusalem collection – see notes) 2 Cor 9:6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
- 23. Paul received ministry support (as did all other apostles). He seems to avoid taking money from those whom he is currently serving. 7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; 9 and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. ch 11
- 24. When required he worked to cover his expenses ..nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 2 Thess 3:8
- 25. Maligning the Messenger Moving Message ◦ Depths ◦ Heights ◦ Transformation Ministry Model ◦ Planning ◦ Personal Example ◦ Profession ◦ Sphere of Influence Money Matters ◦ Ministry Support ◦ Fund Raising ◦ The Jerusalem Collection - Giving
- 26. What attacks do we face in ministry, how do we respond? What do we learn from Paul’s ministry model? How can we incorporate it in our lives? Share in what way you feel like a “jar of clay” and how God’s treasure shines through you? How can you be more effective? What do we learn from Paul on the importance of involvement with the church (in his case Jews)? Even if we feel we don’t fit in, how should we persevere? What do we learn about giving and fund raising? How can we improve?
- 27. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness
- 28. 1. Biblehub.com 2. Bible.org 3. Easton’s bible dictionary
Editor's Notes
- The Epistles of the Bible are all found in the New Testament. They include 21 of the New Testament’s 27 books, extending from Romans to Jude. Thirteen of these Epistles were written by the apostle Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Within this group of Pauline Epistles is a subgroup labeled the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) so-called because they were written during Paul’s two-year house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31). The Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) were written to church leaders and include many teachings regarding practices within the early church. Following these writings are eight General Epistles (sometimes called Catholic Epistles, since they were written to a “universal” audience) that include Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. The author of Hebrews is unknown (though many have historically attributed it to Paul or one of Paul’s associates). James was one of the earliest New Testament writings and was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7). The apostle Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter. The apostle John (the same author of the Gospel of John and Revelation) wrote 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. The short Epistle of Jude was written by Jude, another half-brother of Jesus (Jude 1:1). All of the known authors of the Epistles are either an apostle (Paul, Peter, John) or a family member of Jesus (James, Jude). Each of these individuals had a unique calling from the Lord Jesus that included writing letters to others. These letters, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are preserved as part of the New Testament’s writings today. Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-an-epistle.html#ixzz3eBIfeAM6
- 1. First visit: Paul planted the church in Corinth in 50-52 (Acts 18) 2. Paul wrote the “previous letter” (1Cor 5:9,11; “Corinthians A”) 3. Paul wrote 1Corinthians from Ephesus in 53/54 (1Cor 16:18; “Corinthians B”) 4. Paul wrote the “severe letter” (2Cor 2:4; 7:8; “Corinthians C”) 5. Second visit: the “painful visit” (2Cor 2:1; see 12:14; 13:1-2) 6. Paul wrote 2Corinthians from Macedonia in 54/55 (2Cor 7:5; 8:1; 9:2; “Corinthians D”) 7. Third visit (Acts 20:2) That is a total of 4 letters written to the Corinthian church! What is clear is Paul’s passionate affection and desire to have this church walking in the light. But did they walk in the light? The report of the church fathers, Clement of Rome particularly, implies that the “final letter was effective and that the church of Corinth became a model congregation for nearly half a century… Unfortunately, when problems erupted in the church again at the end of the first century, the problems that threatened the church were very similar to those that Paul had addressed: rejecting legitimate spiritual authority in order to be manipulated by a few headstrong and arrogant leaders and lacking the unity that should characterize the body of Christ”
- 1. First visit: Paul planted the church in Corinth in 50-52 (Acts 18) 2. Paul wrote the “previous letter” (1Cor 5:9,11; “Corinthians A”) 3. Paul wrote 1Corinthians from Ephesus in 53/54 (1Cor 16:18; “Corinthians B”) 4. Paul wrote the “severe letter” (2Cor 2:4; 7:8; “Corinthians C”) 5. Second visit: the “painful visit” (2Cor 2:1; see 12:14; 13:1-2) 6. Paul wrote 2Corinthians from Macedonia in 54/55 (2Cor 7:5; 8:1; 9:2; “Corinthians D”) 7. Third visit (Acts 20:2) That is a total of 4 letters written to the Corinthian church! What is clear is Paul’s passionate affection and desire to have this church walking in the light. But did they walk in the light? The report of the church fathers, Clement of Rome particularly, implies that the “final letter was effective and that the church of Corinth became a model congregation for nearly half a century… Unfortunately, when problems erupted in the church again at the end of the first century, the problems that threatened the church were very similar to those that Paul had addressed: rejecting legitimate spiritual authority in order to be manipulated by a few headstrong and arrogant leaders and lacking the unity that should characterize the body of Christ”
- The book of 2nd Corinthians is a Pauline Epistle (letter from Paul). The Apostle Paul wrote it about 56 A.D. The key personalities of this book are the Apostle Paul, Timothy, and Titus. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to defend and protect his Apostleship, and to teach and warn against false teachers who were spreading heresy. Paul visits Corinth for the first time, spending about 18 months there (Acts 18:11). He then leaves Corinth and spends about 3 years in Ephesus (Acts 19:8, 19:10, 20:31). (Roughly from AD 53 to 57, see 1 Corinthians article). Paul writes the "warning letter" in his first year from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 5:9). Paul writes 1 Corinthians from his second year at Ephesus. Paul visits the Corinthian church a second time, as he indicated he would in 1 Corinthians 16:6. Probably during his last year in Ephesus. 2 Corinthians 2:1 calls this a "painful visit". Paul writes the "letter of tears". Paul writes 2 Corinthians, indicating his desire to visit the Corinthian church a third time (2 Cor 12:14, 2 Cor 13:1). The letter doesn't indicate where he is writing from, but it is usually dated after Paul left Ephesus for Macedonia (Acts 20), from either Philippior Thessalonica in Macedonia.[5] Paul presumably made the third visit after writing 2 Corinthians, because Acts 20:2–3 indicates he spent 3 months in Greece. In his letter to Rome, written at this time, he sent salutations from some of the principal members of the church to the Romans.[5] Wikipedia.org • In chapters 1-7, Paul describes the characteristics of an Apostle. He explained that his ministry was to preach Jesus Christ alone and not himself, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as bondservants for Jesus’ sake” (4:5). Paul then explains that Christians will suffer. "we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed". It is promised to followers of Christ that they will suffer. Paul states that compared to eternity with Christ the sufferings of this world are temporary and have a purpose for us: "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." • In chapters 8-9, He urges the Corinthians to give the offering to the believers in Judea, as they had promised. He taught that if they gave generously they would also “reap generously” (9:6). • Chapters 10-13 Paul defends his ministry and responds to attacks about his Apostleship. They had been questioning his authority and opposing him. Paul declares that if anyone preaches a different Gospel or a different Jesus, other than what Paul and the Apostles were preaching, they are false teachers and deceitful workers and should not be accepted. In chapter 12 7-10, Paul explains a theology of his own suffering. He asks God to remove a suffering from His life but God refuses. God responds to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness". Paul understood that God is sovereign and in control over even his sufferings. Therefore, Paul embraces his suffering because God allows them into his life for a purpose regardless of how difficult they may be. In times of calamity, he understood that these were times when he depended on God's strength and mercy the most. Paul responds, "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong”. Paul knew he was the strongest when he felt the weakest because he depended on God, the one who has infinite strength. The last thing Apostle Paul teaches in 2ndCorinthians is how to test yourself. If you want to know if you are a Christian, if you want to know if you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, than you must test yourself, “to see if you are in the faith”; examine yourself with Scripture (13:5). Biblehub.com
- Paul shared with the Corinthian church his weaknesses, depths and heights he had gone to after following Christ as he has in no other known letter
- 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak?
- 3 And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.
- Acts 16:7,8
- It was common for Jewish rabbis to practice trades, but Greeks and Romans considered manual work fit only for slaves. Paul’s decision to work in a culturally Greek and officially Roman port city therefore caused some criticisms, and he had to defend his policy, arguing that working enabled him to offer the gospel message freely and without “burdening” the Corinthians (1Cor 9:15-18; 2Cor 11:7-10, 2Cor 12:14-18). Timothy and Silas, two of Paul’s travel companions (Acts 16:1-3, Acts 15:40) whom he had left in Beroea (Acts 17:10-15), arrived in Corinth some time after Paul, and their arrival triggered a change. Acts 18:5 probably means, “Paul began to be fully occupied with proclaiming the word.” At that time, Paul gave himself full-time to proclaiming the gospel and no longer worked in tentmaking. This change was caused by Silas (perhaps with Timothy) bringing a substantial financial gift from Philippi. Second Corinthians 2Cor 11:9 and Phil 4:15 indicate that the Philippian church (located in Macedonia) was the only one that supported Paul financially during his first trip to the province of Achaia (of which Corinth was the capital). Thus, though Paul was ready to work when necessary, his highest priority was the proclamation of the gospel http://www.bibleodyssey.org/places/related-articles/corinth-in-acts-pauls-financial-support.aspx Acts 18:5 5When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with proclaiming the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus. Some versions indicate that Paul was already occupied full time with gospel work (this give different picture)
- The Jerusalem Collection Paul faced many of these same challenges in his own day. Although he did not request personal support, he spent close to ten years soliciting funds for what is commonly referred to as the Jerusalem collection. This was a collection he took up among the Gentile churches to help Judean believers who were facing harder than usual economic times as a result of a famine during the mid to late 40s. Paul and Barnabas made an initial famine-relief visit to Jerusalem in A.D. 46 and delivered a monetary gift from the church at Antioch (Acts 11:29-30). At that time the Jerusalem church expressed the hope that the believers associated with Paul would continue to remember the Judean believers, which Paul was more than eager to do (Gal 2:10). The collection effort was successfully completed in A.D. 57, and the funds were delivered by Paul and a group of delegates chosen by the contributing Gentile churches. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/2Cor/Paul-Sets-Forth-Guidelines The Jerusalem Collection Paul faced many of these same challenges in his own day. Although he did not request personal support, he spent close to ten years soliciting funds for what is commonly referred to as the Jerusalem collection. This was a collection he took up among the Gentile churches to help Judean believers who were facing harder than usual economic times as a result of a famine during the mid to late 40s. Paul and Barnabas made an initial famine-relief visit to Jerusalem in A.D. 46 and delivered a monetary gift from the church at Antioch (Acts 11:29-30). At that time the Jerusalem church expressed the hope that the believers associated with Paul would continue to remember the Judean believers, which Paul was more than eager to do (Gal 2:10). The collection effort was successfully completed in A.D. 57, and the funds were delivered by Paul and a group of delegates chosen by the contributing Gentile churches. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/2Cor/Paul-Sets-Forth-Guidelines
- 1. First visit: Paul planted the church in Corinth in 50-52 (Acts 18) 2. Paul wrote the “previous letter” (1Cor 5:9,11; “Corinthians A”) 3. Paul wrote 1Corinthians from Ephesus in 53/54 (1Cor 16:18; “Corinthians B”) 4. Paul wrote the “severe letter” (2Cor 2:4; 7:8; “Corinthians C”) 5. Second visit: the “painful visit” (2Cor 2:1; see 12:14; 13:1-2) 6. Paul wrote 2Corinthians from Macedonia in 54/55 (2Cor 7:5; 8:1; 9:2; “Corinthians D”) 7. Third visit (Acts 20:2) That is a total of 4 letters written to the Corinthian church! What is clear is Paul’s passionate affection and desire to have this church walking in the light. But did they walk in the light? The report of the church fathers, Clement of Rome particularly, implies that the “final letter was effective and that the church of Corinth became a model congregation for nearly half a century… Unfortunately, when problems erupted in the church again at the end of the first century, the problems that threatened the church were very similar to those that Paul had addressed: rejecting legitimate spiritual authority in order to be manipulated by a few headstrong and arrogant leaders and lacking the unity that should characterize the body of Christ”